richgro garden products apc action plan 2015-2019 · richgro apc action plan 2015- 2019. 7 . a...

www.richgro.com.au

RICHGRO GARDEN PRODUCTS

APC ACTION PLAN 2015-2019

Richgro APC Action Plan 2015- 2019 2

Table of Contents

1.0. Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 3

2.0. Background Company Information ........................................................................................................ 4

2.1.Company Profile ........................................................................................................................................ 4

2.2. Brands ........................................................................................................................................................ 5

2.3. Supply chain .............................................................................................................................................. 5

2.4. Packaging materials ................................................................................................................................. 6

2.5. Commitment to the APC .......................................................................................................................... 7

2.6. Contact details .......................................................................................................................................... 7

3.0. Schedule for Packaging Reviews ............................................................................................................. 8

4.0. Action Plan Table .......................................................................................................................................... 9

Appendix A: Richgro Environmental Policy ........................................................................................................ 17

Appendix B: Richgro Packaging Report .............................................................................................................. 18

Appendix C: Richgro SPG Template .................................................................................................................... 19

Appendix D: Packaging Development Procedure ............................................................................................... 21

Appendix E: Buy Recycle Policy .......................................................................................................................... 23


1.0. Executive Summary

Richgro Garden Products has been in operation since 1916 and is a 100% Australian family

owned and operated manufacturer of soil, compost, mulch and other garden products. The

company is a brand owner and supplies gardening products to the national Australian market

under the well known “Richgro” brand. Richgro Garden Products has a strong background in

working with others and aiming to reduce waste. Its belief in effective, meaningful partnerships is

underpinned by the embedding of sustainability policies and APC commitments into the standard

operating procedures of the organisation, with particular emphasis on responsible procurement

and waste minimisation.

Richgro joined the National Packaging Covenant in 2005 and since then has shown continuous

improvement and dedication in reducing packaging usage and improving the ratio of recycled

materials used as part of total packaging.

Richgro Garden Products predominantly measures packaging impacts in terms of product to

packaging ratios, targeting improvements over time. In 2014, the organisation worked extensively

with plastic film suppliers to reduce the gauge of film used, with four successful projects reducing

film gauge by ten to twenty micrometres. The changes implemented helped to improve the

packaging to product ratio to an impressive 230:1 by financial year 2014-2015.

The organisation also works actively to reduce the production of waste. 2014 saw Richgro Garden

Products expand into organics management, with a grant from the Clean Technology Program

supporting the group to build an Anaerobic Digestion plant on site. This plant, and their planned

composting facilities, will help the organisation to limit garden and organic wastes going to

landfill, while producing carbon-neutral electricity.

______________________ 30.06.2016____

PETER MORRISON DATE GENERAL MANAGER


2.0. Background Company Information

2.1.Company Profile

Richgro Garden Products has been in operation since 1916 and is one of the top 5 garden

products suppliers in Australia. It is 100% Australian family owned company. The company

manufactures and distributes bagged potting mixes, mulches, soil conditioners, soil wetters

and home garden chemicals to the national consumer garden market with the well respected

Richgro brand. The head office is based on a 45 hectare site at Jandakot, with subsidiary

branches in VIC, NSW, SA and a distributor in QLD.

Whilst consumer products are the core of the Richgro business, the company also supplies

commercial and landscaping bulk products to the WA market as well as laboratory services to

the garden industry.

A WA family-owned company, Richgro was first registered as A. Richards & Co by Arthur Richards

in 1916. Through a process of diversification that took place around the mid-seventies the Richgro

brand was created and used on a small range of fertilisers. As demand grew, the brand was used

on the ever expanding range. Today the company supplies to the national market with a turnover

of over $40 million annually.

Richgro’s mission statement is “To create great gardens in an environmentally responsible manner

with quality, innovative products for all Australian gardeners”. This mission is supported by three

business pillars: Culture, Quality, Innovation.

In line with the company’s mission, the business has ISO 9001:2008 certification and EcoHortTM

Environmental Management System Certification. Those official certifications support the

company’s processes and ensure that the business is run effectively at all levels with clear

procedures and guidelines. One of those key guidelines is that the company is to always “operate

as a responsible corporate entity on an environmental and social level” (Richgro Corporate Plan -

section 2.0 Company Objectives)

The company is well known for its ongoing commitment to environmental preservation with the

development of such products as EZI-WET® water saving soil wetter, waterways friendly fertilisers

and its increasing focus on the production of organics and safer alternatives to garden chemicals.


The core of the Richgro business which is the supply of recycled organics (compost, manures, and

fertilisers) is testament to the company’s business ethics of recycling and reusing products in a

beneficial way for the environment. A large percentage of the Richgro product line is produced

from renewable resource and this underlines the company’s core beliefs.

In 2014 Richgro launched an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant on site. This plant was partly funded by

the Federal Government via the Clean Technology Program as part of the zero carbon initiative. The

AD plant will reduce Richgro’s carbon emissions and electricity consumption (via the power grid) by

100%. The AD plant composts food and organic waste in an anaerobic (airless) environment. This

method not only removes organic waste from landfill but the by-product from this process is the

production of biogas which will be used to power turbines. This will in turn produce enough power to

run the entire Richgro facility. This plant is an integral part of the company’s strategy of

diversification into the waste recovery field, specializing in food and organic wastes. These wastes

are currently dumped into landfill with obvious environmental effects.

2.2. Brands

Most of the products supplied by the company are marketed under the Richgro brand banner.

Richgro has a licensing agreement with CSBP Ltd to pack and market the CRESCO range of

fertilisers nationally and an agreement with Charlie Carp Pty Ltd to distribute their fertilisers

marketed under the Charlie Carp brand.

2.3. Supply chain

Richgro is a brand owner.

In the supply chain, Richgro stands in between the packaging manufacturer and the retailers.

Richgro

• Manufactures products


• Packs products in packaging supplied by a number of different packaging suppliers

• Delivers to the retailers the finished products on pallets

2.4. Packaging materials

Consumer Packaging: Richgro uses LDPE (number 4) plastic bags as the primary source of

packaging for fertilisers and organics. Packaging suppliers rate the materials used as 100%

recyclable. At this point in time this is the best “fit-for-purpose” packaging with regards to the

packing of this type of product. Richgro is continuously researching and has a 12 month review on

all packs.

Garden Chemicals are mostly packed in HDPE plastic bottles. The packaging is recyclable and an

appropriate choice for those type of products whereby safety has to be of prime concern. Some

garden chemicals are also packed in cardboard boxes and metal cans.

Finally there are also a few special fertilisers packed in plastic tubs.

Distribution Packaging: Richgro uses cartons and plastic shrink wrap to ensure products on pallets

are delivered undamaged to retail outlets.

Reporting of packaging usage: Packaging is grouped into product category to align with the

current business structure, i.e.:

• Fertilisers (plastic LDPE)

• Organics (plastic LDPE)

• Garden Chemicals (plastic HDPE, metal cans, cardboard)

In addition the company will assess:

• Secondary packaging (cartons, pallet liners)

• Tertiary Packaging (machine wrap, top covers)

Raw materials suppliers

Packaging manufacturers

& suppliers

Richgro manufacturing & distribution

Retailers


A working table style template (Appendix B) was designed with each product group itemized

against the Packaging types (plastic, cardboard and shrink wrap).

2.5. Commitment to the APC

Richgro’s commitment to environmental preservation is evident in the embedding of sustainability

policies and APC commitments into the core standard operating procedures of the organisation.

Over financial year 2014-2015 the company was operating with a ratio of product to packaging of

196:1; this is a major improvement to the first reported figure of 148:1 in 2005-06.

As a result of Richgro signing the Covenant, a Quality Assurance Committee has been created

consisting of a representative from Senior Management, Quality, Marketing and Purchasing.

Progress is reviewed at quarterly meetings of the Covenant Committee. Richgro’s principle

objective at those meetings:

• To review and report on action plan progress and goals.

• Discuss ongoing achievements and efficiencies

• Review current and future packaging opportunities

• Implement any new packaging or recording initiatives.

2.6. Contact details

Covenant Contact Officer: Steve Hall

Position: Inventory Manager

Telephone: (08) 6258 7111 - Facsimile: (08) 9455 1297 - Mobile: 0411 162 552

Email: [email protected]

Address: 203 Acourt Road, JANDAKOT WA 6164 - PO Box 1406, Canning Vale, 6970

Web Site: www.richgro.com.au

http://www.richgro.com.au/


3.0. Schedule for Packaging Reviews

Types of Packaging Timetable for evaluating existing packaging by category or SKU

ORGANICS 4 YEARS

FERTILISERS 4 YEARS

GARDEN CHEMICALS 3 YEARS

SECONDARY PACKAGING 2 YEARS

TERTIARY PACKAGING 3 YEARS


4.0. Action Plan Table

Goal 1: Design

KPI 1: % of signatories with documented policies and procedures for evaluating and procuring packaging using the SPGs or equivalent.

Actions Responsibility Baseline data Target Timeline or Milestones

1 Richgro to continuously monitor the ratio of product to packaging. Richgro have continuously monitored the ratio so as to identify early any excess use of packaging. Richgro has tried to align this target more in line with Smart Principles, however to have a set figure is challenging due to the ratio of product to packaging including many variables outside of our control such as product demand and changes in the packaging supply line.

Inventory Manager

The ratio for FY 2014-2015 was 230:1 .

Monitor to maintain and/or reduce the ratio annually.

Assessed as at year end every year and discussed at the consecutive APC meeting.

2 Decrease the total “non-recyclable” packaging as a % of total packaging sold. Note: governed by market and production requirements

Inventory Manager

The figure for FY 2014-2015 was 84%.

To ensure we continuously reduce the use of recyclable packaging (no set figure as governed by market and production requirements).



3 Richgro to use an SPG template (Appendix C) for all new products and all packaging upgrades. Richgro has a formal policy for Packaging Development: Company Policies and Procedures SOP 1.11 Packaging Development and APC Strategic Plan Procedures. This SOP covers Company procedures regarding Australian Packaging Covenant (APC) policies and procedures, covers Company procedures regarding raw materials and goods inventory, supplier’s approval policy, ordering and purchasing operations. It includes the APC Strategic Plan and the SPG guidelines.

General Manager

100% of all packaging in FY 2014-2015

100% of all new packaging to be evaluated against Richgro’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines Review sheet as set out in SOP.

During the product development process for each new packaging type as outline in SOP.

4 To review existing products against Richgro’s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines Review sheet. Do this in accordance with Packaging review schedule (Section 3.0. of this plan).

Inventory Manager

Over the life of the last action plan 2011-2015 100% of existing packaging was reviewed as per the packaging schedule.

100% of existing packaging over the life of this action plan.

Refer to assessment timeline of packaging review schedule.

5 To improve on the education of marketers and decision-makers within Richgro about the importance of Sustainable packaging.

Marketing Manager

The toolkit supplied by the APC: http://bit.ly/1dFhXbE is on the server under the APC folder.

Ensure all members of the APC go through the toolkit supplied.

Ongoing in line with staff changes and new members join the APC committee.

6 To have scheduled and documented APC meetings to discuss the action plan, improvements, research and successes in packaging requirements.

Inventory Manager

Previous Meeting Agenda and Minutes 2014-2015.

1. Schedule and conduct committee meetings 3 times a year. 2. Review and report on action plan progress and goals.

February, June and October each year for the length of this action plan.


Goal 2: Recycling

KPI 3: % signatories applying on-site recovery systems for used packaging.


1 To send all of our discarded and uncontaminated pallet packaging - pallet plastic wraps and black top covers - to the recycle plant. The company to investigate ways in which to prevent product from contaminating pallet packaging, so that further volumes can be recycled.

Inventory Manager

Over FY 2014-2015, 1.32 tonnes of plastic was sent to the recycle plant. This represents 100% of the material after contaminated items were removed and achieves our new target. The contaminated material (contaminated by product) is sent to landfill and the rest to the recycle plant.

100%of all discarded and uncontaminated pallet packaging with aim to reduce contaminated pallet packaging.

To quantify, review and assess twice a year during the APC committees.

2 Richgro to communicate information about the APC and our plans to a broader number of people within the organisation.

Marketing Manager

Our Environmental Policy is clearly communicated in the Richgro Induction Booklet for all new employees. The APC video http://bit.ly/1dFguC8 is on our company server freely available to all members of our organisation and we also have it on ourYoutube page.

To re-assess the Richgro Induction Booklet to include the APC and promote the APC video.

At next print of the booklet (usually every 2-3 years so by 2017)


3 Richgro to investigate on-site or local recycling recovery systems for Aluminium, Plastic and Glass packaging.

General Manager Production Manager

Much waste being accepted into the AD plant arrives in packaging materials (ie. cans, bottles of Soft drink). Richgro has invested in a machine which separates the liquid and packaging. This waste packaging is currently being shipped for recycling overseas.

To measure and record 100% of disused packaging and assess the viability of onsite recovery systems

Yearly through the life of this plan


KPI 4: Signatories implement formal policy of buying products made from recycled packaging.


1 To make all of our purchases in recycled materials and recycled content products if these products and materials satisfy current performance, quality, safety, regulatory and cost requirements. Richgro has a Buy Recycle Policy with the primary aim of purchasing recycled materials and recycled content products.

• Packaging: We already order cartons and pallet liners made of recycled material, which we encourage our retailers to Recycle.

• Office Stationery: we use recycled cartridges and batteries. We actively encourage office and administration staff to use less paper and all paper purchased is a supporting sustainability paper. Paper no longer needed is encouraged to be shredded and then recycled. Richgro has recognised the opportunity to investigate recycled paper cost and its introduction into the business.

• Any excess cardboard from production is sent to the new Anaerobic Digestion plant and is being added to the mixture.

Inventory Manager

91% of the total product sales (in weight) for the Richgro Business was the sale of composts and organics which is essentially recycled products. For the rest, the use of recyclable product is not feasible as it is chemical-based for product performance. 100% of our cartons and pallet liners are made of recycled material.

To make 100% of our purchases in recycled materials and recycled content products if these products and materials satisfy current performance, quality, safety, regulatory and cost requirements in line with our Buy-Recycle Policy.



Goal 3: Product Stewardship

KPI 6: % signatories with formal processes to work collaboratively on packaging design and / or recycling.


1 To work with our manufacturers on a continual basis to assess and design all of our products in line with the SPG template.

Inventory Manager

Currently we have informal regular meetings between our Inventory Manager, packaging suppliers and raw material producers to identify opportunities for reducing environmental impacts. At this stage it is limited to the thickness of the materials used.

More formalised meetings with packaging suppliers to discuss not only packaging thickness but identify other opportunities for reducing environmental impacts.


2 To research the availability of bio degradable or degradable bags that will break down in the environment thus reducing impact on land fill sites.

General Manager Inventory Manager

This is on-going research as there currently is no suitable bio degradable or degradable packaging for garden products on the market.

Consult packaging suppliers in line with packaging review schedule.

Refer to packaging review schedule.


3 To have more formalised procedures on Product Stewardship

Quality Manager

Our Buy Recycle Policy and Packaging Development Procedure (As part of the Company's Operating Procedure SOP 1.11) touch on the importance of Product Stewardship.

Have a specific SOP outlining formalised procedures on Product Stewardship.

By 12/2016

KPI 7: % signatories showing other Product Stewardship outcomes.


1 To aim at reducing carbon emissions and electricity consumption by 100% on site.

General Manager Production Manager Marketing Manager

The company has built an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) partly funded by the Federal Government via the Clean Technology Program as part of the zero carbon initiative. The AD plant will reduce Richgro’s carbon emissions and electricity consumption (via the power grid) by 100%.This method not only removes organic waste from landfill but also leads to the production of ‘carbon free’ electricity. The plant was launched late 2014 so no baseline data.

Reduce carbon emissions and electricity consumption by 100%.



2 To continue on the strategy of diversification into the waste management and recovery field, specialising in food and organic wastes.

General Manager Production Manager Marketing Manager

These wastes are currently dumped into landfill with obvious environmental effects. Richgro plans to make use of those wastes for product and biogas production. To that effect Richgro is working actively with government bodies and industries. AD plant launched late 2014 so no baseline data.

Use the AD plant for food and biogas production.

12/2016

KPI 8: Reductions in packaging items in the litter stream.


1 Richgro to have recycled logos on all packs and /or info on how to dispose - To add a Tidyman to all new and upgraded packs - where space allows.

Marketing Manager

77% of our new and upgraded packaging have had the logo applied over 2014-2015 FY.

100% of all packaging to have the tidyman logo (where space allows).

By the end period of this action plan 06/2019.


Appendix A: Richgro Environmental Policy

Environmental Policy

All A. Richards Pty Ltd employees, its stakeholders and the community in which Richgro and Amazon operate have a right to expect excellence in environmental performance from the Company. Richgro and Amazon are committed to fulflling all relevant statutory environmental obligations and will manage the technical, administrative and human factors to ensure that these standards are met.

Environmental management of the Jandakot and Wesco production sites are achieved by ensuring the integration and regular review of the Company Quality Management System in accordance with international ISO 9001 Standards and Company Environmental Management System which is developed and implemented in accordance with ISO 14001 Standards for environmental management.

The Company is signatory to the National Packaging Covenant and it is a further testimonial to our commitment to environment conservation by implementing policy and practices of usage of smart packaging, with less waste and accordingly cleaner environment.

The Company’s sound environmental management is promoted by the cutting edge strategies in the production planning, processing and waste management. We promote a strong environmental ethic as a part of the Company business culture and we are fully committed to our aims to prevent pollution, to continually improve our overall environmental performance and to openly communicate Company environmental performance to all parties concerned.

________________________ ________________________

Geoff Richards Peter Morrison

Managing Director General Manager


Appendix B: Richgro Packaging Report

PACKAGING REPORT

WEIGHT EXPRESSED IN KILOGRAMS Product Type Product

sold NETT Weight

Packaging Used NETT Weight, bottles, plastic

bags, etc

Percentage packaging to product

sold

Cartons/Pallet liner Used

NETT Weight

Machine wrap, and top covers

TOTAL WEIGHT

product & packaging

Combined volume of packaging

Fertilizer Organics

Ant, Beetle, Slater Snail Pellets

Liquid Chemicals Plastic bottles Liquid Chemicals Metal cans

Totals Tonnes

Volume of all product sold inc packaging Volume of all packaging Ratio of product to packaging


Appendix C: Richgro SPG Template

Product Group / Description: Date of assessment:

Packaging description:

Summary of outcomes

Identified opportunities to improve sustainability of packaging type

1.

2.

Potential environmental benefits to come out of the assessment

Action Who By when


Packaging assessment template

Design strategy Detail Action required

Fit-for-purpose

Meets technical performance requirements

Design for consumer accessibility

Resource efficiency

Minimise materials (source reduction)

Use recycled materials

Design for efficient transport

Low-impact materials

Minimise risks of toxic and hazardous materials

Use material from responsible suppliers

Resource Recovery

Design for reuse

Design for recovery and litter reduction

Inform consumers about appropriate disposal


Appendix D: Packaging Development Procedure

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES SOP 1.09 (EXTRACTS)- In more detail in Richgro SOP Manual

SUBJECT: COMPANY POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Inventory Control, Purchasing Operations, Contract Pricing & Packaging Development (Extracts)

Doc. No: SOP 1.09

Issue No: 5

Page: Extracts 8 of 12

SCOPE: This SOP covers Company procedures regarding raw materials and goods inventory, supplier’s approval policy, ordering and purchasing operations.

PROCEDURE:

PACKAGING DEVELOPMENT

Australian Packaging Covenant APC (formerly NPC)

Smarter packaging, less waste, cleaner environment (APC slogan)

The Packaging Covenant is the voluntary constituent of the co-regulatory arrangement for packaging in Australia and Richgro Garden Products, as an APC signatory, is totally committed to all APC important obligations. The Company also has a significant responsibility of the implementation of the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines and periodical Action Plans completion. Note: full outline of The APCC Mission statement included here


Richgro Garden Products Company has accepted and fully endorsed this APCC Mission statement, and is completely committed to achieve these goals in collaboration with the Packaging Covenant Council.

Note: full outline of the APCC’s 3 main performance goals included here Note: full outline of our obligations as a Covenant signatory included here PROCEDURE:

Sustainable Packaging Guidelines

The Sustainable Packaging Guidelines have been developed in aim to assist in designing and manufacturing packaging that meets the sometimes conflicting demands of the market, consumer protection and the environment.

As a signatory to the APC we agree to adopt and implement the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines and its four (4) key principles of sustainable packaging:

Note: full outline of the SPG principles included here

Richgro Garden Products is committed to use all resources efficiently and reduce environmental impact without compromising product quality and safety. The Company recognises an essential and crucial link between a healthy environment and healthy people, and understand and see the value the Sustainable Packaging will bring to the business, in terms of savings, productivity and quality and integrity of Company products.

Note: full outline of 12 principles and strategies of the SPG included here

Richgro Garden Products shall always take in consideration and, whenever it is practically possible, must apply in full the four key principles of sustainable packaging in the design and/or procurement of packaging by implementation of various, specific Company strategies.

This aim should be achieved by regular and efficient self-assessment and review processes, which need to be clearly identified and documented, and shall include the comprehensible initiatives the Company undertakes in the aim to provide the documented evidence of compliance with the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines to an APC auditor on request.

End of Extracts – Standard Operating Procedures SOP 1.09 – Complete procedure available from the Richgro SOP Manual.


Appendix E: Buy Recycle Policy

“BUY RECYCLED” POLICY We, at Richgro Garden Products and Amazon Soils, are unconditionally committed to buying and

using recycled materials wherever practically possible.

This Company goal will be achieved by the adoption and implementation of the Australian

Packaging Covenant and accordingly by integrating the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines. This

goal further promotes the company’s strong dedication to environment conservation, through

environmentally responsible usage of smart packaging, creating less waste and consequently

resulting in a cleaner and safer environment.

The company is to adopt and strictly implement a Buy Recycled Policy in all company’s procedures

and operations through creative and progressive leadership, high-quality education and information,

strong research and development as well as through meaningful partnerships. This will lead to a

number of business and environmental benefits including energy and resources conservation and

waste and pollution reduction.

The company’s Senior Management, Divisions Managers and other company employees are totally

committed to participating and contributing to the established Buy Recycled Policy objectives and

procedures, with the primary aim of purchasing recycled materials and recycled content products if

these products and materials satisfy current performance, quality, safety, regulatory and cost

requirements.

________________________ ________________________

Geoff Richards Peter Morrison Managing Director General Manager

richgro garden products apc action plan 2015-2019 · richgro apc action plan 2015- 2019. 7 . a...

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